Katie Canning

Why Swansea?
I love that it's close to the sea, offering beautiful scenery, especially at sunset. Walking by the sea is a great way to unwind after a tough day. The Marina has lovely restaurants, colourful buildings, and amazing architecture, creating a peaceful atmosphere. I also enjoy the events held by Swansea Council, like the Wales Airshow, which is fun, well-organised, and features a variety of interesting stalls.

Why did you choose to study your degree at Swansea?
Swansea is the perfect distance from home—close enough for comfort but far enough for independence. I wanted to stay in Wales, and Swansea was one of the few universities offering a pure Chemistry degree.

What is your favourite thing about your course?
It's a relatively small course, so I know all my lecturers and classmates, including those in other years, which is comforting. This familiarity makes it easy to ask for help when needed.

Are you/have you been part of a society?
I'm part of the Chemistry Society, which collaborates closely with the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and hosts events like Top of the Bench to promote learning. The society also organises fun socials, such as quiz and game nights.

Have you lived in halls during your studies?
I lived in halls during my first year and it was a fantastic experience. I made many friends, learned a lot, and enjoyed game nights that brought us closer together, making university life less lonely.

Do you speak Welsh? Have you studied through the medium of Welsh?
I am a Welsh speaker but don't study in Welsh. However, I use Welsh during outreach events with Welsh schools, explaining experiments in Welsh. It's a great way to maintain the language in an English-dominated field.